For me, Indycar is the only sport I follow. I am not looking forward to the long winter with no racing. One of the few things that keeps me going is listening to Trackside with Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee. Finding that podcast a couple years ago has helped me keep up with Indycar during the off season. But when trackside takes a week off it makes for a long week. What is a fan to do? If you have read my blog you might recall I became a fan after reading AJ Foyt’s biography. I have since read many books that I have really enjoyed. It definitely helps me during the off season. Perhaps you will enjoy it too.
So here are some of my top picks to read.
Victory Road by Helio Castroneves. Helio’s book is a fun read. I really enjoyed it. Biographies are my favorite.
Tales From the Indy 500 by Jack Arute. I always liked Jack. He had such a passion for Indycar. I enjoyed reading his stories.
Black Noon by Art Garner. I am currently reading this one. I don’t know much about the 1964 Indy 500. It is sad to read knowing the ending but it is part of racing history and I am completely wrapped up in the story.
Long Kiss An American Ritual by Charles West. This book tells how Charles made the trip each year to watch the Indy 500. I couldn’t put this book down.
500 Miles To Go: The Story of the Indianapolis Speedway by Al Bloemker. This book gives such a great history of the Speedway.
Some other books about Indycar include-
Blood and Smoke by Charles Leerhsen. I have heard mixed reviews on this book but I do plan to read it for myself.
They Call Me Mister 500 by Anthony (Andy) Granatelli. Im about half way through this book. It’s close to 400 pages of small print. I would have enjoyed an abbreviated version.
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines by Wilbur Shaw. I have not yet started this book.
Eddie Sachs: The Clown Prince of Racing by Denny Miller. I was really looking forward to this book but the writing style was hard for me to follow and I did not enjoy it. I also did not finish reading it.
The Best for Last
Absolutely beyond a doubt you must read AJ: The Life of America’s Greatest Race Car Driver by AJ Foyt with William Neely. I was a young teenaged girl when I read this and I never would have guessed how much I would enjoy it and then how it would forever change my life. Sounds crazy I know but reading this book started me on a journey that I never expected. My passion for Indycar has brought about some of my favorite times spent with family, including my first trip for qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where I watched as AJ announced his retirement and took his last lap around the track. Through the years I have spent many weekends at the speedway with my sons and various trips to Milwaukee and Chicagoland Speedway with my girlfriends. Who would have thought reading a book could ignite such a love for a sport I hadn’t previously heard about.
So if the off season has you down I would encourage you to pick up a book.
Did I not mention your favorite? Please share the books you have enjoyed. I’m always on the lookout for a new one.
ikissedthebricks 